Is age a factor in the progression of hearing loss? Hearing loss is a common gradually advancing condition that affects all adults. In fact, over one half of those 75 and older have trouble hearing.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the gradual process of hearing loss as we get older. There’s no one definitive cause for this to happen, but it is typically considered to be a combo of many factors.
Changes occur in our inner ear as we get older. There are tiny hair cells in your ears that pick up waves of sound and transmit the signals to the brain to be translated as sound.
When these tiny hair cells become damaged or die, hearing loss is the outcome. Hearing loss that is the result of damage to these hairs is permanent as these hairs never restore.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Wearing headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Heredity plays a factor in hearing loss.
- Hearing loss risk is increased by some drugs including chemotherapy drugs.
- Hearing loss can be the result of several medical disorders, including diabetes.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
- Loud noises such as going to concerts regularly or working in an environment with consistent loud noise.
Some typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have a hard time hearing soft voices, children’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background sound, and an overall lack of clarity when somebody talks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
Additionally, increasing the TV volume, asking people to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be signs of hearing loss.
The importance of dealing with age-related hearing loss
Neglected hearing loss decreases quality of life. Neglected hearing loss is linked to depression, sadness, stress, mental decline, poor social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
Rather than dealing with these problems, consider possible treatments, including hearing aids, sign language for people who have severe hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.
Struggling with age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anyone should have to do. You can still live a full and enjoyable life.
If you or somebody you love is dealing with hearing loss, contact us today to schedule a hearing assessment!
References
Older Adults — Hearing Health Foundation
Hearing Loss: A Common Problem for Older Adults | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
Seniors and Hearing Loss – American Academy of Audiology